This article summarizes a research study that examined racial and ethnic disparities in children and adolescents meeting the daily recommendations of the 5-2-1-0 program in the United States. The study used data from the NHANES survey and found that Hispanic children had the highest rates of overweight and obesity at 48.5%, while only 0.03% of children and 0% of adolescents met all four of the 5-2-1-0 daily behavior targets. The results indicate disparities in weight status among ethnic and racial groups of youth as well as low rates of children and teens meeting the nutrition and physical activity guidelines.

1. Chad Wessinger
Adagio Health Dietetic Internship 2017
Professional Meeting Research Article Abstract: 5-2-1-0 Meeting
1/28/17
Haughton, C. F. (2016, April 22). Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Meeting 5-2-1-0 Recommendations
among Children and Adolescents in the United States. The Journal of Pediatrics, 175(1),
188-194.
Purpose To examine the racial/ethnic disparities in meeting the daily 5-2-1-0 targets among
youth in a representative sample.
Background Rates of obese youths has grown during the past decade, leaving this population at
a greater risk for adverse health outcomes in adulthood. Hispanic and non-Hispanic black youth
are at a greater risk than white youths. It is important to implement healthy eating and physical
activity behaviors at this age to prevent future adverse health consequences. The pneumonic 5-
2-1-0 represents targeted behavior: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, less than 2 hours of
screen time, at least 1 hour of physical activity, and 0 sugar-sweetened beverages daily.
Methods A cross sectional analysis was used to examine the most recently available NHANES
data. The sample included youths aged 6-19 years old (children: 6-11, adolescents 12-19), and
consisted of 4 self-reported ethnic groups (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Asian, and
Hispanic). The selected participants completed a household interview, dietary recalls, and had
complete 5-2-1-0 information. Multivariable regressions were used to evaluate the associations
with each target behavior.
Results Among Hispanic children, 48.5% were overweight or obese compared with 33% of non-
Hispanic black children, 33% from non-Hispanic white children, and 25% Asian children. There
were no statistically significant differences in the rate of overweight and obese adolescents,
with the range being between 24-39%. Among children, only 0.03% met all 4 target behaviors
and among adolescents, 0 met all 4 target behaviors.
Conclusion There is ethnic/racial disparity in overweight and obesity rates. It is important to
recruit representative study samples in order to better understand how to implement
intervention strategies. This study also indicates a low rate of children meeting the 5-2-1-0
target goals.